All Saints Food Bank

The food bank at
All Saints has been in existence for around 13 years. However it is only in recent
times that it has been used extensively. Up till our recent meeting food
parcels were given out without asking for any details from the recipients. The
food cupboard was replenished by members of the congregation and the food
parcels were given out by members of the office staff or the caretaker on
occasion. So numbers claiming food parcels were not recorded until now. I have
since met with Diane Bennett ,who runs Caring Hands at The Evesham Christian
Centre in Bewdley St,who kindly showed me her record keeping and we are now
keeping a basic tally of how many food parcels are given out, to whom and for
what reason. We will pass on the data to Diane at regular intervals so that her
records for Evesham are more comprehensive.We have recently forged a link with The Cooperative
Supermarket in Evesham High St and they are collecting food on our behalf in
store and have volunteered to deliver it to church as and when. This has
happened fortuitously at the same time that our uptake of food parcels has seen
a definite increase.We also have an agreement with Diane at Evesham Christian
Centre that they can refer suitable people for showers and this happens from
time to time.The food parcels are made up and put into bags before they
are required and it is estimated that they would last an individual for up to 3
days. We are taking steps to ensure that the food provided is varied and
nutritious and provides a balanced diet subject to availability.Some of those who are using the food bank are homeless or
sofa surfing, others have had their benefits stopped or reduced, have been
referred by other agencies and generally have fallen on hard times. We are
doing our best to help them with your support.Whilst all donations to the food bank are gratefully
received, it would be useful if we could provide the following items which are
recommended by The Trussell Trust, a charity that runs over 300 foodbanks
nationally.•Milk (UHT or powdered)•Sugar (500g)•Fruit juice (carton)•Soup•Pasta sauces•Sponge pudding (tinned)•Tomatoes (tinned)•Cereals•Rice Pudding (tinned)•Tea bags/instant coffee•Instant mashed potato•Rice/pasta•Tinned meat/fish•Tinned fruit•Jam•Biscuits or snack bars.This list is not exhaustive but is helpful if you are
thinking what might be useful to give!Thankyou to all who have supported and do support the food
bank here in All Saints. Sadly the need is increasing but by meeting this need
as we do we are fulfilling in part our mission in our local community.John Webster